THROUGH HIS FRUIT AND GIFTSLast week we completed the third installment of our teaching on the Holy Spirit by looking at what the Holy Spirit does. Over the next two weeks we will complete our teaching on the Holy Spirit with our fourth and fifth installments. As we wrap up we will learn about the work of the Holy Spirit today by looking at his fruit and gifts. Two of the most important ways the Holy Spirit works in the church today are through the Fruit of Sprit and Gifts of the Spirit. Though these terms are frequently used in church today, they are not always understood. One of the best books on the work of the Holy Spirit today is Baptism and Fullness by John Stott which is available at Amazon.com and local book stores. I recommend it to all who want to really understand the Baptism and Fullness of the Spirit and especially how the Holy Spirit is working in the church today.
All Christians should know what Scriptural says about these terms. This week, let’s look at the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. Next week we will study on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Every Christian should want this salad – the Fruit of Spirit!
Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
In the above Scripture, the Apostle Paul gives a list of the Fruit of the Spirit, how many Spirit are there? Are they listed anywhere else in the Bible?
Name the Fruit of the Spirit?
James Stott in his book Baptism and Fullness can be divided into three groups showing our relationship with God, others and ourselves. Which three fruit show our relationship with God and why?
Which three do you think show our relationship with others and why?
Which three show our relationship with ourselves and why?
Fruit of the Flesh is against Fruit of the Spirit!
Galatians 5:19-21
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
In Galatians 5:19-21 Paul lists what could be called the “fruit of the flesh” which are clearly opposite of the Fruit of the Spirit. Why are these fruit of the flesh so damaging?
To be like Christ means we must also seek to have His fruit in us
In Baptism and Fullness, John Stott describes Jesus Christ as the portrait of the Fruit of the Spirit. He says, “No man or woman has ever exhibited these qualities in such balance or to such perfection as the man Christ Jesus.” Amen! If we are to be like Christ, as Christians we must also have the Fruit of the Spirit. Let’s look at each one:
In Galatians 5:22 the first fruit is love. Why do you think love is first and what are some Scriptures that show why it should be first. (See 1 Cor. 13:4-8 and 1 John 4:7-8)
Next is joy. In Galatians 5:22 Paul said he learned the secret to this kind of joy. What kind of joy is Paul talking about? (Phil 4:11-13)
Then there is peace. What kind of peace does Paul mean? (Phil 4:7)
The next three are patience, kindness and goodness. How can you as a Christian show these three to others even non-Christians?
Next is faithfulness. Does this mean you must have faith or something else? What else? (Luke 16:10-12)
Then there’s gentleness, King James says meekness. Is this the same as weakness or being a wimp? (Matthew 11:29, Numbers 12:3 & Ephesians 4:1-3)
Finally, Christians must have self-control. Can you have self-control without the Holy Spirit? Why not?
Fruit will not grow everywhere; it must have the right climate!
Galatians 5:24-26
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
The Fruit of Spirit will only grow in the right climate and the best place to create that climate is in the Church. Why is going to church so important in promoting the growth of the Fruit of the Spirit? (Galatians 5:16 & 25)
Fruit is not grown just to be looked at but to eat! How can you as a Christian share this sweet the Fruit of the Spirit with others so they can learn to eat the fruit?
(Galatians 6:1-5)
Next Week: The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Read: 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:7-12; and 1 Peter 4:10-11